Tribute to Danie Pretorius

17 June 2021 1390
His devastating departure leaves an emptiness in all our lives that no one else can fill.

Danie Pretorius, beloved Director at Oosthuizen Marais & Pretorius Inc (OMP), passed away on 18 March 2021 aged 63, after fighting a lengthy battle against a progressive heart disease.

Danie joined OMP in 2000 in the role of Director, and was a passionate attorney known for always placing his client’s best interests first. He was a people’s person, exceptionally well-qualified in his chosen field, and always prepared to share his experience with everyone, be it clients or the OMP staff.

Danie’s childhood was spent in the small Free State town of Bethulie, where he matriculated in 1975. From High School Danie enrolled for his law degree at The University of the Free State in Bloemfontein, where he studied part-time whilst working a full-time position in a Banking Institution.

Danie’s dream of entering the law arena became a reality in December 1985 when he was admitted as an attorney.

Danie and Anna-Marie Lotz were married in 1990, and on 20 April 1996 were blessed with the arrival of their twin boys, Eduard and Danie. Both sons completed their studies at the University of Stellenbosch and are currently employed at Ernest & Young (Eduard) and PricewaterhouseCoopers (Danie) respectively.

Those who knew Danie well, can testify to his great passion for sport. Whether as participant, supporter or critic. In his youth he was a talented rugby and tennis player, and later a competitive golfer; sport was always a big part of his life. Aside from his passion for sport, Danie was also known for his love of children and animals. He was also an enthusiastic traveller, and together with his family enjoyed journeying regularly both throughout our beautiful country, as well as to numerous overseas destinations.

Danie suffered irreversible damage to his heart some 5 years ago and in 2018 it was decided that he would need to undergo a heart transplant procedure. His heart function was monitored regularly, and at times dipped below 20% of what is deemed ‘normal’ function. During October 2020 he was admitted for a brief period in Life Bayview Hospital, and was again hospitalised on 10 December 2020. At the time the heart specialist team in Cape Town requested that he remain in hospital. Danie was then placed on the “urgent” waiting list for a heart transplant.

On 24 February 2021, Danie was transferred by ambulance to the Christiaan Barnard Memorial Hospital in Cape Town, where the necessary tests and preparations for a transplant were initiated. Sadly though, Danie’s condition deteriorated rapidly into a critical state, and he passed away on 18 March 2021.

Danie will always be remembered as a loving father, faithful husband, loyal colleague and friend and someone that touched the lives of everyone he met.


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Did you know that YOU can SAVE SEVEN LIVES and RESTORE UP TO FIFTY LIVES when you become an organ and tissue donor? One donor enables doctors to treat 65 or more patients in need.

Your heart, liver and pancreas can save 3 lives and your kidneys and lungs can help up to 4 people.
As a tissue donor you can help up to 50 people by donating your corneas, skin, bone and heart valves.

Unbelievably, less than 0.2% of the SA population are registered organ and tissue donors.
For more statistics or Frequently Asked Questions please visit www.odf.org.za

How Can You Help?

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Go to www.odf.org.za for a simple quick signup or call 0800 22 66 11 (toll free) to register.

Then please discuss your decision with your family, as they have the final say at the time of your death.
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